A sign that it's cold outside....

Really? Isaac - you think that's a good way to get warm? Mommy doesn't think so....

Christmas Train at Meijer Gardens

This week, we went to Meijer Gardens to see the Christmas displays. Every year, they line the main hall with Christmas trees decorated to reflect countries and cultures around the world. This year, in addition to that, they have a train set up. This train is built by a gentleman who is famous for his scale model train sets. All of the buildings are replicas of historic buildings of the area - and are all made out of wood, bark and twigs.

Isaac was absolutely captivated. I can't describe his reaction any other way. It was a joy to watch! I am sure we will go back again soon to watch the trains!

Mom's Gone Wild - Cancun

Well, I know this is a bit belated, but here is my report on my first post-child, no-child getaway. The adventure of Katie, Mary, Jen and myself.

We left late on a Tuesday night and headed to Detroit. We got up at 4am to get ready and head to the airport. Unfortunately, the cold that I had come down with on Monday wasn't letting up - but I was still determined to have fun!

We made it down to Cancun around 2pm. It was BEAUTIFUL out. The airport was immaculate and we made our way to the hotel without any problem. Within the hour, we were in the pool....:)

The next 2 days were filled with reading, napping, swimming, sunning, eating and a tasty beverage or two. My cold did not let up, but I still have a really wonderful time. We were hit on by a group of "mature men"...ok, we weren't really hit on, and when I say mature, I mean about 30-some years older than us...but hey - I can pretend, right!? They were actually really cute - on vacation with their wives, and we made them take a group picture together!

The sand was so white, the water was SO blue, and every night, we slept with the door open so we could hear the waves! One night, we split up for date night - Katie and Jen to the japanese place and Mary and I went to the "meat place"...(brazilian?). I had a wonderful time getting to know Mary better, since this was the first time we had met. We also hit the Pacha - (disco, anyone?) and Katie honored us with a fabulous air guitar performance, in honor of her husband. We saw the most captivating couple dancing there, and were all left with a sense of...."dude, wish WE could dance like that!!!".

Katie drinking a "dirty monkey"


We took TONS of pictures, which are mostly on Mary's camera....While I was there, I read Eat, Love, Pray - which was a GREAT book!

I had a great time. I would totally vacation with these gals again! I did miss Isaac and Brian, of course, but for a Mom's getaway...

Happy Thanksgiving....

We hope that everyone has a party in their tummy this Thanksgiving!

Sunshine - Here I come!

Well, the week has finally arrived. My first girl-fest vacation. Brian has gone on lots of manpanionship adventures in recent years - and now it's my turn! Tomorrow night I will leave for 4 lovely days in Cancun. I am quite excited. I am going with 3 fun gals (Katie, Jen and Mary) to soak up sun (on my uber white body), drink fruitiness, read books and have a good time. This will also be Brian's first time staying home while I travel somewhere - so wish him a happy, content monkey-Isaac!

However, before I go...here an update on the last week or so....
- We enjoyed the rest of our time with Ms.Samantha. We made visited to the play area at the mall, Brian took her to Meijer Gardens, we made cakes, threw a tie dye party and played with balloons! It was a lot of fun, but it's amazing what a different level of energy a 3.5 year old has!!! Sam is happily back home with Jon and Dawn - and Dawn is recovering nicely. :)
- Thank you for all the birthday wishes. It's weird to think I am 32...seems like just yesterday I was 23! I am amazed and thankful for all that has happened in the last decade of my life. From meeting my husband, graduating from college, our first home, several exciting jobs. many travels...to having my son. Growing up isn't so bad... :)
- Brian and I had a quiet and restful Sunday at home. I was able to start my packing for my trip, and watch a few of our sitcoms.
- Today and tomorrow I am working (we leave tomorrow night), so the days are going to zoom by!

Well, enough for now...off to pick up some last minute items for my trip!

Happy Birthday to Me....

Wow. Since I don't remember my birthday last year - and it's not because of malty libations, but probably excitement over prepping for Isaac's baptism and the visit of Molly and Robert... I figure, I can say that - right?

Oh hum, happy birthday to meeeeee....

A nice birthday present would be if anyone in Flint could go out and vote for Walling, since I can't...ha. You think I am joking?

Or, for my friend Dawn to wake up feeling fabulous after her surgery today! That might be a stretch, but hey - good vibes can't hurt.

Anyways, I am going spending the day with Jon and Dawn's daughter Sam - doing fun thing, like baking cakes, hanging out - just doing things a 3.5 year old girl likes to do. Hopefully Isaac can be patient with us and doesn't go monkey wild on any of her toys!

Ohhhhh...happy birthday...to me.....